The New Zealand government estimates that between 58,000 and 107,700 Kiwis will have problems with gambling during their lifetime¹. There are two approaches to trying to lower these numbers. The first is education – ensuring that players know what a gambling addiction looks like and can spot the signs in themselves and others.
The second is responsible gambling tools – these help prevent the development of harmful behavior. Most gambling sites offer a solid range of tools, including different types limits (wager limits, loss limits, etc), self-exclusion, and risk assessments, to help players remain in control.
In this article, we’ll cover all about responsible gambling and what is done to support Kiwi players.
Understanding Gambling Addiction
The first step in preventing gambling addiction is ensuring that players understand exactly what it is. Both gambling sites and support groups like the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand, play a role in educating players about the warning signs of gambling addiction².
Information includes behaviours that players can look out for in themselves and others. The signs of gambling addiction include:
- Gambling disrupting the player’s routines or behaviour
- Increasing stakes in order to get the same thrill
- Overspending or chasing losses
- Viewing gambling as a way to gain income
- Lying about gambling habits
- Incurring debt to continue gambling
To make these things easier to spot, many gambling providers offer questionnaires for players so they can evaluate their behaviour. It’s also possible to complete these on behalf of someone else.
Clearing Up Misconceptions About Responsible Gambling
Another essential part of making sure that players understand gambling addiction is correcting misinformation. Content provided by gambling platforms and support groups can help to correct myths. This ensures that players are properly informed about gambling.
Here are examples of three common myths surrounding gambling addiction:
- Responsible gambling tools are only for those with a problem: This is not the case at all! Every player should be making use of the responsible gambling tools available to them.
- Gambling every day means addiction: While it could be an indication of a problem, gambling every day doesn’t always mean addiction. The inverse is also true; a person doesn’t have to gamble daily to have a problem.
- If they can afford it, it’s not a problem: Overspending is only one consequence of problem gambling. In reality, it can also be a problem for the person’s routines and relationships³.
Promoting Responsible Gambling Tools
There’s a range of responsible gambling tools to help players control their activity. These include breaks, reminders, and a few different types of limits. Let’s cover some of them now!
Setting Limits
There are a few different limits that players can set when playing at New Zealand’s online casinos and sports betting sites. These include deposit, loss, and time limits. All limits are customisable depending on the value the user wants to set and the time period they want it to apply over.
Deposit limits allow players to set a maximum deposit amount. When a player reaches this value, they won’t be able to transfer any further money into their account.
Loss limits operate similarly. Players set an amount they would be comfortable losing, accounting carefully for how much they can afford. When they hit this limit, they’re prevented from further playing.
The final limit we’ll cover is the time limit. These allow players to set a maximum amount of time they want to spend playing. Once they reach this threshold, they’re prevented from spending any additional time on the site.
Limits are an excellent way for players to manage their relationship with gambling. They also help prevent the kind of behaviours which lead to gambling addiction, like overspending and chasing losses.
Reminders and Breaks
Some providers offer reminders that players can customise based on how frequently they’d like them to appear. Once they reach the set time, a reminder will appear to make sure they want to continue playing. It also reminds them of the necessity of taking regular breaks and gambling responsibly.
Breaks are often used in combination with reminders. When a user hits the limit which triggers a reminder, they’re often encouraged to take a break. These are similar to self-exclusion (which we’ll cover later) but over a shorter period of time. Players can decide to take a break for a few days or a week to gain control over their behaviour. During this time, they won’t be able to access or play at a site.
Monitoring Activity
Monitoring gambling activity is designed to promote self-awareness and safer play. Usually, this can be done through a provider by looking under the account section. Here, players can access detailed records of their deposits, withdrawals, win/loss history, and time spent gambling.
By evaluating their gambling behaviour, players can spot patterns or signs of excessive play. For example, if they discover they mostly gamble when feeling down, they can seek alternative healthy habits.
Highlighting the Importance of Self-Exclusion
For players who recognise they have developed problem gambling, self-exclusion is a vital tool. It allows them to take control by blocking access to deposits, withdrawals, and gameplay on a gambling site.
To set a self-exclusion period, players usually have to contact the customer support team. Keep in mind that it may not be applied immediately – activation usually takes up to 24 hours. The exclusion period often lasts up to a year but can also be made permanent.
Players can also use third-party tools like Gamban or BetBlocker to exclude themselves from multiple gambling sites or apps at once. These tools prevent the user from accessing a wide range of gambling sites or apps, providing broader protection.
Reducing Ad Exposure
Another way that gambling addiction is curbed across New Zealand is by reducing ad exposure. Exposure to gambling ads can have significant impacts on the person’s behaviour. Studies have shown that ‘riskier gambling was associated with higher advertising exposure’ and ‘those with riskier gambling reported receiving more direct marketing.
To stop seeing gambling ads, players can block them. There’s a few different ways to do this. On social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, users can alter their preferences through their profile. This also allows them to silence certain words associated with gambling.
Also, players can block accounts that post gambling ads. Flagging or reporting any ads including content they don’t want to see is another effective way to reduce gambling ads.
On Google, users can alter their preferences and block gambling providers through their account. It’s also possible to report ads relating to gambling, so they don’t appear in the future. Finally, users can also mute phrases and ads.
Blocking Payments to Gambling Sites
Another way that players can reduce the risk of gambling addiction is by preventing payments to gambling providers from their accounts. Depending on what payment method a player uses, they can contact their bank or card company to prevent payments. Simply request that payments to a specific provider are blocked.
It’s also possible to use banking apps and websites to set up these blocks. Players just have to select the provider they wish to stop spending to and set up a payment block.
Help and Resources for Gambling Addiction in New Zealand
Across New Zealand, there’s a range of support services for those who are suffering or developing a gambling addiction. This includes platforms like Safer Gambling Aotearoa and the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand. These websites provide resources on understanding and preventing gambling addiction. They also host links to local support groups where players can discuss and seek help for their addiction.
For instant support, there are plenty of helplines that players can reach out to. Here’s a quick list of a few options for New Zealand players:
- Gambling Helpline (available 24/7) – 0800654655
- Maori Gambling Helpline (available 24/7) – 0800654656
- Youth Gambling Helpline (available 24/7) – 0800656659
How Is Gambling Addiction Prevented in New Zealand?
In New Zealand, gambling addiction is curbed through increased education and the promotion of responsible gambling tools. It’s essential that players recognise what a gambling addiction looks like and know what to watch out for in themselves and others. This is done through education by gambling providers and dedicated organisations.
The second aspect of prevention involves promoting responsible gambling. Providers and support groups emphasise the importance of tools such as deposit limits, self-exclusion, helplines, and reminders. Players in need of help can also reach out to groups across the country like the Problem Gambling Foundation.
There’s a wide range of educational materials and tools to ensure that players stay safe when gambling online throughout New Zealand. By making the most of these resources, players can better manage their gambling and prevent harmful behaviour.
References:
³Gambling Addiction, Written by BetKiwi, Published by BetKiwi.
Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko via Pexels.
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